Upcoming events for alumni & friends

500 participants from agriculture, anti-hunger, tribal, community development, education, retail, health and philanthropy sectors will gather for a two-day conference to build upon existing partnerships, collaborations and alliances that strengthen and expand the work of individuals and agencies. Workshops, networking and issue area strategic discussions will be utilized to energize and connect participants so that they are ready to act, implement and operationalize strategic priorities that create an equitable food system for all, from the producer to the consumer.

U of M Alumni Social: State of Minnesota Employees

Did you know that the State of Minnesota is one of the largest employers of U of M alumni? The University of Minnesota Alumni Association (UMAA) is bringing together alumni who work across State of Minnesota agencies for a networking social at Tin Whiskers Brewing Co. in downtown St. Paul on November 10.

Registration required, which covers one complimentary beverage, pizza, and great professional networking. A brief welcome and update from the UMAA will take place a little after 5:45pm.

The program will feature "The Story of Climate Data" by Dr. Thomas Peterson (NOAA-NCEI, Asheville, NC). Dr. Peterson is also the current President of the World Meteorological Organization's Commission for Climatology and he was the lead author for the IPCC 4th Assessment Report. There will be a reception, with refreshments, following his lecture. All of those interested in climate science are invited to attend.

Alumni Webinar: Overcoming the Imposter Syndrome

November 19, Noon-1:00 pm

Have you ever been fearful that your colleagues at work might find out that you don’t know what the heck you are doing? Studies show that up to 70% of high achieving professionals—men and women alike—suffer from the impostor syndrome which affects their confidence and fulfillment at work. Join this webinar to learn how to overcome this sense of inferiority and value your experience and successes in a realistic way.

December 2 to December 4, 10:30am-3:30pm, Hodson Hall & St. Paul Student Center

Frenatae, the Department of Entomology's graduate student organization, is holding their annual sale where they will be selling honey, greeting cards and calendars featuring insect illustrations, candles, silk scarves, and more. Booths will be set up in front of the Natural Resources Library in Hodson Hall and in the St. Paul Student Center (lower level in front of the Post Office).

The club is taking pre-orders for honey bears or 5-pound jugs of honey. Fill out the 2015 Frenatae Pre-Order Form and email it to frenatae@umn.edu or deliver it to the Frenatae mailbox marked "Honey Sale Pre-orders" in 230 Hodson Hall by end of day on November 30. Payments must be received by December 2. Orders will be filled on a first-come/first-serve basis.

Alumni Webinar: Become a Persuasive Business Storyteller

December 3, Noon-1:00pm

Regardless of where you work, there is a good chance that you have to present to small or large groups on a regular basis. A Business Storyteller is someone who develops a mastery of the unique experience of talking in front of a group by mastering the story itself, telling it well, and making a deep audience connection. True business storytellers are stronger communicators, who look better to others when they are in the ‘hot seat,’ and who enjoy a better self-perception. These things can contribute to a faster career climb, higher financial rewards, and a more meaningful, powerful life. In addition, they elevate self-image and level of confidence. Before you know it, you will start to get comfortable performing in uncomfortable situations.

You will learn three steps to becoming a storyteller: 1) Commit –Take a moment to define and envision yourself as a strong communicator and speaker. 2) Practice – Test it out in “safe” scenarios with lower stakes while you build new patterns. 3) Deploy –Start looking for every imaginable opportunity to speak.